JPH08248835A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent deterioration of an image quality by automatically adjusting copying conditions even when an image forming device is used with its power source in the on-state for 24 hours a day. CONSTITUTION: When a time by a clock means B reaches a predetermined time, an adjustment start instructing means C forces an automatic adjusting means A to start automatic adjusting of image forming conditions. Automatic adjusting of the image forming conditions may also be started by the automatic adjusting means A when the time by the clock means B reaches its set time by providing an adjustment start time setting means for optionally setting the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming conditions. In this case, unless the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming conditions is set by the adjustment start time setting means, the automatic adjusting means A is caused to start automatic adjusting of the image forming conditions when the time by the clock means B reaches the predetermined time.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to various image forming apparatuses such as printers, copying machines, and facsimile machines having an automatic adjustment function of image forming conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in the image forming apparatus as described above, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-368059, from when the power source is turned on (when the power source starts up) until the fixing roller temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. During the warm-up period, the image forming conditions such as toner density are automatically adjusted to prevent the deterioration of image quality.

[0003]

However, with this method, the power is once turned off (shutdown) in order to start the automatic adjustment of the image forming conditions, and then the power is turned on again to allow a warm-up period. I had to. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is used with its power supply turned on for 24 hours a day, the image forming conditions are not automatically adjusted, and it becomes impossible to cope with the image forming conditions that change with time, and the image quality is reduced. There was a drawback that it deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and even when the image forming apparatus is used with its power source turned on for 24 hours a day, the copying conditions can be automatically adjusted to deteriorate the image quality. The purpose is to prevent.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus equipped with automatic adjusting means A for automatically adjusting image forming conditions, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. Clock means B and automatic adjusting means A when the time by the clock means B reaches a preset time
The adjustment start instruction means C for starting the automatic adjustment of the image forming conditions is provided in the above (Claim 1).

Further, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the adjustment start time setting means D for arbitrarily setting the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming condition by the automatic adjustment means A, the clock means B, and the clock means. There is also provided an image forming apparatus provided with an adjustment start instruction means E for causing the automatic adjustment means A to start automatic adjustment of image forming conditions when the time according to B reaches the time set by the adjustment start time setting means D (claim) Item 2).

In this case, when the adjustment start time setting means D has not set the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming condition by the automatic adjustment means A in the adjustment start instruction means E, the time by the clock means B is set in advance. It is preferable to provide the automatic adjustment unit A with a unit for starting the automatic adjustment of the image forming conditions when the time comes.

[0008]

In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.
When the time indicated by the clock means B reaches the preset time, the adjustment start instruction means C causes the automatic adjustment means A to start the automatic adjustment of the image forming conditions. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality even when it is used in the ON state for a certain period of time.

In the image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 2,
The time by the clock means B in FIG. 2 is the adjustment start time setting means D.
The adjustment start instructing means E causes the automatic adjusting means A to start the automatic adjustment of the image forming conditions when the time set by is reached, so that the image forming apparatus is turned on for 24 hours a day as described above. Even when it is used as it is, deterioration of image quality can be prevented. Moreover, if the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming condition is set immediately before the time zone when the user performs most of the image forming work, more stable image quality can be obtained.

Further, when the automatic adjustment start time setting means D has not set the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming conditions by the automatic adjustment means A, the automatic adjustment is made when the time set by the clock means B reaches a preset time. If the adjusting means A is caused to start the automatic adjustment of the image forming condition, the image quality will not be deteriorated even if the user forgets to perform the operation for setting the automatic adjusting start time of the image forming condition.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanical section of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This copying machine is an electrophotographic plain paper copying machine (PPC), and an automatic document feeder (hereinafter abbreviated as "ADF") 2 is placed on the upper part of the copying machine main body 1 to discharge the paper. A sorter 3 is provided on the side. In addition, the operation unit 4 is provided above the ADF 2. The ADF 2 has a document placing table 21, and the document placed on the document placing table 21 is fed by a document feeding roller 22 and is conveyed and set on the contact glass 11 of the scanner unit 10 of the copying machine body 1.

Then, the document on the contact glass 11 is scanned and exposed by the scanner section 10. That is, the original is illuminated by the exposure lamp (fluorescent lamp) 12 in the scanner unit 10, and the reflected light from the original is reflected by the first mirror 13, the second mirror 14, the third mirror 15, the through lens 16, and the fourth lens. The light is incident on the photoconductor drum 31 via the mirror 17, the fifth mirror 18, and the sixth mirror 19, and the surface thereof is exposed.

Electric charges are uniformly applied to the photoconductor drum 31 by the charging charger 32, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure. The latent image is removed by the eraser 33 to remove unnecessary charges, visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 34, and then sent to the transfer unit. Then, there, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 35.

This transfer paper is fed from any of the paper feed trays 36 to 38 or the double-sided tray 39 and is conveyed along the conveyance path 40 or 41, and is transferred to the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31 by the registration roller 42. It is sent to the transfer portion between the photoconductor drum 31 and the transfer charger 35 at the same timing. Therefore, the transfer paper on which the toner image is transferred is
It is separated from the photoconductor drum 31 by the separation charger 43, passes through the conveyor belt 44, and is thermally fixed by the fixing device 45.

After that, the transfer paper having been copied on one side is once stacked on the double-sided tray 39 by switching between the double-sided switching claw 46 and the reversal switching claw 47 if the double-sided mode for double-sided copying is set, and then transferred to the transfer section again. The paper is fed in reverse. Further, if the single-sided mode for performing single-sided copying is set, it is sent to the sorter 3 as it is or after being sent to the reversing unit 48 once by the switching of the reversing switching claw 47 and the front and back surfaces are reversed, and there, each bin. Three
, 3n are selectively ejected and sorted. The double-sided copy transfer paper is discharged in the same manner as the single-sided copy transfer paper when the single-sided mode is set.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 31 is decharged by the decharging charger 49 after the transfer paper is separated, and the residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 50 to prepare for the next copying. If necessary, the toner density (copy density) on the photosensitive drum 31 is measured by the toner density sensor 51, and the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 31 is measured by the potential sensor 52.
Or by measuring.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a configuration example of the operation unit 4 of this copying machine. The operation unit 4 includes a mode clear key 6
1, an interrupt key 62, a program key 63, a guidance key 64, a start key 65, a clear / stop key 66, a ten key 67, and a display 68.

The mode clear key 61 is a key for returning each function (mode) to the standard function. By operating this key, the number of repeats becomes "1" and the density (toner density) is increased.
Is set to automatic density, sheet feeding is set to automatic sheet feeding, and scaling is set to the same size, and all other functions including the double-sided mode are canceled. The interrupt key 62 is a key used for interrupting the copy operation and copying another document.

The program key 63 is a key used when registering and calling a copy mode frequently used by the user. The guidance key 64 is a key used when displaying a description of basic operations and functions on the display 68. The start key 65 is a key used when starting the copy operation. Also, this start key 65
Also serves as a ready / weight display, and the green LED lights when ready and the red LED lights when waiting.

The clear / stop key 66 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copy operation. That is, when the clear / stop key 66 is pressed during the standby, the number of copies set at that time is cleared. In addition, the clear / stop key 66
When is pressed, the subsequent copying operation is interrupted when the copying operation at that time is completed.

The ten-key pad 67 is a key used for setting the number of copies (numerical value), inputting a numerical value for zoom magnification, and binding margin. The display 68 is a CRT display (LC
D display) may be provided with a touch panel, and various information can be input by touch input to each key of the touch panel, and various information such as operation status and messages can be displayed. It should be noted that touch-enabled keys are displayed in black characters on a white background, and those that are determined to be in the ON state by touch input are displayed in white characters on a black background by black and white reversal.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the mode setting screen displayed on the display 68. In this mode setting screen, a message area 70 displays a message such as "Ready to copy" or "Copying in progress". 71
Is a set display area, and displays the number of copies (copies) set. Reference numeral 72 denotes a trial copy start key, which is used when it is desired to confirm the finished copy. However, this key 72 is not displayed in the trial copy prohibited state, and key input is also invalid.

Reference numeral 73 is a density adjustment key, which is used when manually adjusting the copy density. An automatic density key 74 is used when it is desired to automatically adjust the copy density according to the background density of the document. A tray selection key / display area (area for displaying the size, remaining amount, and type of transfer paper) 75 is used to manually select a paper feed tray (size and type of transfer paper). When the key / display area corresponding to any of the paper feed trays is touched, the size, remaining amount, and type of the transfer paper set in that paper feed tray is displayed.

An automatic paper selection key 76 is used when it is desired to automatically select a transfer paper of the same size as the original. Reference numeral 77 denotes a paper designation variable magnification key, which is used when it is desired to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the size of the transfer paper in the selected paper feed tray. Reference numeral 78 denotes a unity size key, which is used when making a unity size copy. A magnification display area 79 displays a copy magnification.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a standard variable magnification key, which is used when designating reduction or expansion of the standard size. Reference numerals 81 and 82 denote zoom keys, which are used to specify an arbitrary copy magnification in 1% steps. Reference numeral 83 denotes a size changing key, which is used when it is desired to reduce or enlarge the size so as to have a designated size. Reference numeral 84 denotes a single-sided / double-sided key, which is used when it is desired to copy images of two single-sided originals (an original having an image only on one side) on the front and back sides of one transfer sheet.

A double-sided / double-sided key 85 is used when it is desired to copy each image of one double-sided original (original having images on both sides) onto both sides of one transfer sheet. 86 is both sides
This is a single-sided key and is used when copying each image of one double-sided original onto one side of two transfer papers. 87 is a front binding margin size display area. Reference numeral 88 denotes a front side binding margin key, which is used when a binding margin is required for a one-sided original or a one-sided copy. If the binding margin is 21 mm or less, it can be set on either the left or right side.

Reference numeral 89 is a back side binding margin display area.
Reference numeral 90 denotes a back side binding key, which is used when binding on the back side document or back side copy is required. If the binding margin is 21 mm or less, either side can be set. 91
Is a delete key outside the edit mode, and is used when a part of the original is specified and the outside is erased to make a copy. 92
Is an erase key in the edit mode, and is used when a part of the original is specified and the inside is erased to make a copy.

Reference numeral 93 is an edit mode center erase key,
It is used when copying with the central part of the original erased. 9
Reference numeral 4 denotes a front cover key, which is used when the first original is copied as a cover exclusive sheet. Reference numeral 95 denotes both cover keys, which are used when the first and last sheets of the original are copied on the cover exclusive paper. Reference numeral 96 denotes a chapter break key, which is used when a designated original is copied onto a slip sheet. Reference numeral 97 is a sort function selection key, and 98 is a stack function selection key.

Next, the system clock setting and the weekly timer setting will be described with reference to FIGS. The copying machine of this embodiment has a user program mode (UP mode) which is a mode set by the user in accordance with the conditions to be used individually, and the display 68 of the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. When the mode clear key 61 is pressed by the user while the mode setting screen shown in FIG.
When "1" is input, the display screen of the display 68 is switched to the UP mode setting screen shown in FIG.

When the end key 101 is pressed, the display screen of the display 68 returns to the mode setting screen shown in FIG. Further, when the system clock setting key 102 of "1" is pressed, the display screen of the display 68 is switched to the system clock setting screen shown in FIG. Further, when the "2" weekly timer setting key 103 is pressed, the display screen of the display 68 is switched to the weekly timer setting screen shown in FIG.

When the display screen of the display 68 is switched to the system clock setting screen of FIG. 7, the clock setting key 111 is first depressed to set the date, day of the week, and time as clock information. And then the date key 11
After pressing 2, the date is entered with the ten keys 67 in FIG. 4, and the enter key 113 is pressed, the date is confirmed.

Then, when a key indicating a desired day of the week is selected from the day of the week keys 114 and pressed down, the day of the week is fixed. Next, after pressing the time key 115, the numeric keypad 67
When the time is entered by pressing the enter key 113, the time is confirmed. After that, the clock setting key 1 again
When 11 is pressed, the confirmed date, day of the week, and time are set. Here, when the contents key 116 is pressed, the display 68
Display screen returns to the UP mode setting screen of FIG.

When the display screen of the display 68 is switched to the weekly timer setting screen of FIG. 8, the key indicating the desired day of the week is selected from the on-time keys 121 and pressed,
After entering the time using the numeric keypad 67, press the enter key 12
When 2 is pressed, the power-on time is set. Further, when the key indicating a desired day of the week is selected from the off time keys 123 and pressed, the time is entered using the ten keys 67, and the enter key 122 is pressed, the power off time is set. Here, when the contents key 124 is pressed, the display screen of the display 68 returns to the UP mode setting screen of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of this copying machine. The control of the copying machine main body 1 is performed by the CPU 1.
It is performed based on a control program and data stored in the ROM 131 centering on 30. Further, the RAM 132 is used to store the intermediate result of processing, various set values, the state of the apparatus, and the like. Each of the parts functions as the automatic adjustment means A, the clock means B, the adjustment start instruction means C and E, and the adjustment start time setting means D shown in FIGS.

The A / D converter 133 is the exposure lamp 12.
Supply voltage, output of toner concentration sensor 51, output of potential sensor 52, output of lamp light amount sensor for detecting light amount of exposure lamp 12, output of drum current sensor for detecting current flowing in photosensitive drum 31, fixing device It is used to input the thermistor voltage in 45. The optical system control unit 134 controls the scanner unit 10 shown in FIG.

The high-voltage power supply unit 135 supplies a high voltage applied to each of the charging charger 32, the transfer charger 35, the separation charger 43, and the charge removing charger 49, and a developing bias voltage applied to the developing roller in the developing device 34. The motor control unit 136 controls a main motor that drives the photoconductor drum 31, rollers of the paper feed unit and the transport unit, and the like.

The heater control unit 137 includes a fixing device 45.
By controlling the energization of the fixing heater for heating the fixing roller, the surface temperature of the fixing roller is maintained within a predetermined range. The sensor sensitivity control unit 138 is used to change the light receiving gain of the lamp light amount sensor.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a main control routine (main routine) including the copy process control by the control unit of the copying machine main body 1 shown in FIG. 9 and the control according to the present invention. This routine starts when the power is turned on, and first, in step 1, the memory is initialized.

Thereafter, in step 2, the control for performing the copy operation (copy control), in step 3 the control of the process control setting operation (automatic adjustment of image forming conditions) (process control setting operation control), and in step 4 Then, the control for setting the start time of the setting operation (process control setting operation start request control) is performed respectively, and the process returns to step 2. Then, each control of steps 2 to 4 is repeated until the power is turned off.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the process control setting operation control subroutine in FIG. First, in step 11, it is determined what the status is, and when the status is "0", go to step 12, when it is "1", go to step 15, and "2".
If so, go to step 21.

In step 12, it is judged whether or not the process control setting operation start request flag is set, and if it is not set, the process immediately returns to the main routine, and if it is set, the status is set to "1" in step 13. , And the potential sensor 52 of FIG. 3 is calibrated in step 14.

In step 15, it is judged whether the surface temperature of the fixing roller of the fixing device 45 is 160 ° C. or higher. If the surface temperature is not 160 ° C., the process immediately returns to the main routine and becomes 160 ° C. or higher. If so, in step 16, the output of the toner concentration sensor 51 with respect to the background portion on the photosensitive drum 31 is adjusted, and in step 17, the photosensitive drum 3 charged by the charging charger 32 is adjusted.
The potential of the part erased by the eraser 33 on 1
(Residual potential) is measured by the potential sensor 52.

Next, in step 18, the charging output is set. That is, the traveling body including the exposure lamp 12 and the like in the scanner unit 10 is moved below a black pattern (not shown) and the exposure lamp 12 is turned on, and the photosensitive member charged by the charging charger 32 is reflected by the black pattern. After exposing the surface of the body drum 31, the potential of the exposed portion is measured by the potential sensor 52, and the voltage to be output from the charging charger 32 is set according to the result.

Next, in step 19, the exposure output is set. That is, the traveling body including the exposure lamp 12 and the like in the scanner unit 10 is moved below a white pattern (not shown) and the exposure lamp 12 is turned on, and the photosensitive member charged by the charging charger 32 is reflected by the white pattern. After exposing the surface of the body drum 31, the potential of the exposed portion is measured by the potential sensor 52, and the light amount of the exposure lamp 12 is set according to the result. afterwards,
In step 20, the status is set to "2" and the process returns to the main routine.

In step 21, the potential on the photoconductor drum 31 immediately after being charged by the charger 32 is measured by the potential sensor 52, and the toner output when the toner concentration is controlled by the toner concentration sensor 51 according to the result. Set the value of the developing bias for density detection. afterwards,
Since the process control setting operation is completed, the process control setting operation start request flag is reset in step 22, and the status is set to "0" in step 23.
Then, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of process control setting operation start request control in FIG. First, in step 31, it is judged what the status is, and when the status is "0", go to step 32, and when it is "1", step 3
Go to 7 respectively.

In step 32, it is judged whether or not the on-time (power-on time) of the weekly timer is set, and if it is set, the on-time is set in step 33 to set the process control setting operation start time (start of the process controller). Time), and if not set, the time is 00:00 every day at step 36 (at the preset time, the ROM 1 in FIG. 9).
(Stored in No. 31) is the process control setting operation start time.

After that, in step 34, it is judged whether or not the process control setting operation start time has come, and if it is not that time yet, if that time has come, the status is set to "1" in step 35. , Return to the main routine. In step 37, it is judged whether or not copying is currently being performed, and if copying is in progress, the process immediately returns to the main routine. If copying is not in progress, a process control setting operation start request flag is set in step 38, and status is set in step 39. Is set to "0" and the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, in the copying machine of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the process control setting operation start time is set on the weekly timer setting screen, and if it is set, when the set time is reached, If it is not set, the process control setting operation starts at the preset time.
The following effects can be obtained.

In other words, the power source of this copying machine is 24 hours a day.
It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality even when it is used in the ON state for a certain period of time. Also, since the user can arbitrarily set the process control setting operation start time, if that time is set immediately before the time zone when the copying operation is most performed,
More stable image quality can be obtained. Further, even if the user forgets to perform the operation for setting the setting operation start time of the process control, the image quality does not deteriorate.

In this copying machine, the process control setting operation start time is set on the weekly timer setting screen, and the process control setting operation is started at that time or at a preset time. The process control setting operation may be started only at either one of the times. The embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and laser printers and LEs are also used.
The present invention can be applied to printers such as D printers and liquid crystal shutter printers, and various image forming apparatuses such as facsimile machines.

[0053]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, deterioration of image quality can be prevented even when the image forming apparatus is used with its power supply turned on for 24 hours a day. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as described above can be obtained, and the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming condition can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, it is set immediately before the time zone when the user performs most image forming work. With this setting, more stable image quality can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 3, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 2 can be obtained, and even when the user forgets to perform the operation for setting the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming condition. , The image quality does not deteriorate.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the invention of claim 1.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the inventions of claims 2 and 3.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanical section of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an external view showing a configuration example of an operation unit of the copying machine shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a mode setting screen displayed on the display of FIG.

6 is a diagram showing an example of an UP mode setting screen displayed on the display of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a system clock setting screen in the same manner.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a weekly timer setting screen.

9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the copying machine shown in FIG.

10 is a flow chart showing an example of a main control routine including copy process control by the control unit of the copying machine main body shown in FIG. 9 and control according to the present invention.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of process control setting operation control in FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of process control setting operation start request control in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Copier main body 4: Operation part 51: Toner density sensor 52: Potential sensor 67: Numeric keypad 68: Display 103: Weekly timer setting key 111: Clock setting key 112: Date key 113, 122: Enter key 114: Day key 115: Time key 130: CPU 131: ROM 132: RAM 121: On time key

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus provided with an automatic adjusting means for automatically adjusting an image forming condition, wherein a clock means and an image forming condition is provided to the automatic adjusting means when a time set by the clock means reaches a preset time. And an adjustment start instruction means for starting automatic adjustment of the image forming apparatus. 2. An image forming apparatus provided with an automatic adjusting means for automatically adjusting the image forming condition, wherein an adjusting start time setting means for arbitrarily setting an automatic adjusting start time of the image forming condition by the automatic adjusting means, and a clock means. And adjustment start instruction means for causing the automatic adjustment means to start automatic adjustment of image forming conditions when the time by the clock means reaches the time set by the adjustment start time setting means. Image forming apparatus. 3. When the adjustment start instruction means has not set the automatic adjustment start time of the image forming condition by the automatic adjustment means by the adjustment start time setting means,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for causing the automatic adjusting means to start automatic adjustment of image forming conditions when the time by the clock means reaches a preset time.